Exchangeable connecting device between video camera and automatic iris lens

ABSTRACT

An exchangeable connecting device between a video camera and an automatic iris lens in which one common connector (k) makes it possible to connect different kinds of lenses, and use any kind of a lens, L 1  or L 2  without first confirming the kind of lens to be used. In the video camera (M 5 ) one of video control signals ( 1 ), amplified by the output of a light sensor is directly connected to an analogue switch (t), while the other is connected through a galvanometer control circuit (p) to the analogue switch (t) by common connector (k). When a video signal control type automatic iris lens (L 1 ) is connected, a video control signal ( 1 ) amplified by the output of light sensor is directly connected to the analogue switch (t) and the common connector (k). When a DC control type automatic iris lens (L 2 ) is connected, analogue switch (t) selects a video control signal ( 1 ) amplified by the galvanometer control circuit p.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an exchangeable connecting device between a video camera and an automatic iris lens, especially an exchangeable connecting device arbitrary between video camera M and an automatic iris lens L having galvanometer control circuit p or an automatic iris lens L not having galvanometer control circuit p.

2. Description of the Prior Art

FIG. 4 shows a conventional connecting device between video camera M such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, an area image sensor and automatic iris lens L. Referring FIG. 4, an example of operational principal of automatic iris lens L and video camera M is explained.

A light signal passing through lens a is changed into electrical signal by area sensor b, amplified by AGC amplifier circuit c, processed by signal processing circuit d, and output as regular video signal IVpp.

On the other hand, a part of electrical signal of area sensor b is amplified by constant amplifier r of 6 dB to 12 dB and output as light control signal 1 for automatic iris lens L. Light control signal 1 is integrally amplified by level setting circuit e and provides driving DC current 2, for galvanometer f of iris control mechanism of automatic iris lens L. Variable resistor g is to set the iris value to a suitable value. Namely, DC current 2 increases according to an increase in light control signal 1 and closes iris I. On the contrary DC current 2 decreases according to a decrease in light control signal 1 and opens iris I, so that video camera M operates according to a suitable light control signal 1.

Normally, camera M needs various lens, therefore camera M and the lens are independent and according to necessity, connected by a thread.

On the other hand, information such as said light control signal 1 or driving DC current 2 are connected by a cable and connector.

However, there are two type of automatic iris lens L as follows;

1. VS (Video Signal) control type automatic iris lens L₁.

This VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ includes galvanometer control circuit p in which iris I is control by a part of light control signal 1 of a video signal.

FIG. 5 shows a connecting device of conventional video camera M₁ and VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ having galvanometer control circuit p and the same or similar numerals used for the same or similar parts of FIG. 4 and so on.

Video camera M₁ and VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ have connectors k, k connected by a cable (not shown) respectively connecting terminals {circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, {circle around (3)}, {circle around (4)} of connectors k, k. Terminal {circle around (1)} is connected to an electric circuit, terminals {circle around (2)}, {circle around (2)} are NC terminals (no connection), terminals {circle around (3)}, {circle around (3)} are connected to light control signal 1, terminals {circle around (4)}, {circle around (4)} are connected to ground (earth).

Operation of this circuit is as follows; light control signal 1 input from terminals {circle around (3)} is integral amplified by driving amplifier h, and video control signal 1 of video camera M₁ set by variable resistor g reaches a level voltage corresponding to regular video signal IVpp, current in driving coil CL₁ of galvanometer f decreases and controls iris I. Braking coil CL₂ is to suppress rapid operation of driving coil CL₁. Braking coil CL₂ detects reverse voltage generated in galvanometer f, this reverse voltage is amplified in amplifier j, feedback to driving amplifier h, controls the movement of galvanometer f so as to be smooth and stable operation.

2. DC control type automatic iris lens L₂.

This DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ (FIG. 6) is intended to lower the lens price, which only includes galvanometer f and does not include galvanometer control circuit p (FIG. 5) and is driven by a suitable DC electric source from video camera M₂.

FIG. 6 shows a connecting device of a conventional video camera M₂ and DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, without galvanometer control circuit p. As shown in FIG. 6, video camera M₂ and DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ have terminals of connectors k, k connected by a four wire cable (not shown) respectively, terminal {circle around (1)} of connectors k, k is connected to the positive (+) pole of braking coil CL₂, terminal {circle around (2)}, is connected to the negative (−) pole of braking coil CL₂, terminal {circle around (3)} is connected to the positive (+) pole of driving coil CL₁, terminal {circle around (4)} is connected to the negative (−) pole.

Operation of this circuit is as follows; in video camera M₂, video control signals 1 is integral amplified by driving amplifier h, changed into suitable driving DC current 2 set in variable resistor g, and drives driving coil CL₁ through terminal {circle around (3)}, {circle around (4)} of connectors k, k.

Reverse voltage generated in braking coil CL₂ is fed to video camera M₂, through terminal {circle around (1)}{circle around (2)} as braking information.

Namely, this DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ (paragraph heading “2.” above) eliminates galvanometer control circuit p (FIG. 5) against 1.VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ so as to be simple in construction.

Therefore, to use this DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ (described under heading “2.” above), it is necessary to provide galvanometer control circuit p in video camera M₂.

However in actuality, it is desired to freely use said two kinds of lenses; of a VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ (described under heading “1” above) or a DC control type automatic iris lens L, (described under heading “2.” above). And in actuality, connectors k, k used in said two kinds of VS control type automatic iris lens L, or DC control type automatic iris lens L, are the same in construction but connections are different.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit of a conventional exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₃ and automatic iris lens L₁ having galvanometer control circuit p or automatic iris lens L₂ but not having galvanometer control circuit p.

Video camera M₃ has two connectors k₁and k₂ one is for lens L₁ and the other is for lens L₂.

Terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k₁ for lens L₁ outputs video control signal 1 without galvanometer control circuit p. On the other hand, in connector k₂, video control signal 1 is integral amplified by galvanometer control circuit p, changed into a suitable driving DC current 2, having its level set by variable resistor g so as to correspond to regular video signal IVpp and terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k₂ for lens L₂ and outputs driving DC current 2.

Therefore, the signal for controlling lens L₁ and signal for controlling lens L₂ are output from connector k₁ and connector k₂, respectively.

However, it is necessary to change the connector according to the lens being used and this is troublesome and can cause errors.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit of conventional general video camera M₄, provided with switch v instead of two connectors for an exchangeable connection of lens L₁ having galvanometer control circuit p or lens L₂ without galvanometer control circuit p.

Namely, video control signals 1 and driving DC current 2 of galvanometer f are switched by switch v, and fed to common connector k. Other terminals are also switched.

However, it is necessary to change switch v according to the lens being used and this is troublesome and can cause errors.

Problems to be solved by this invention.

As explained above, in a conventional device, it is necessary to confirm the lens to be used and false connections of the connector or false switching can cause errors and damage of the device.

This invention intends to eliminate said drawbacks, and an object of this invention is to provide and exchangeable connecting device between a video camera and an automatic iris lens in which it is possible to use one common connector k to connect different kind of lenses. It is possible to use either kind of lens L₁ or L₂ without confirming the kind of lens to be used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Claim 1 of this invention is to an exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₅ (FIG. 2) such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, area image sensor and an automatic iris lens. In said video camera M₅ one video control signal 1 is amplified the output of light sensor and directly connected to an analogue switch t, the other is connected through galvanometer control circuit p to analogue switch t, said analogue switch t being connected to one common connector k. When video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to connector k, video control signal 1 amplified the output of light sensor, is directly connected to analogue switch t and common connector k. When a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, said analogue switch t is switched and video control signal 1 is amplified by said galvanometer control circuit p, so that the output of the light sensor is connected to connector k as control current 2 of galvanometer f corresponding to video signal LVpp.

Claim 2 of this invention, a detecting circuit of an exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₅ and automatic iris lens as claimed in claim 1, detects a variation of voltage or current at terminals of connector k according to the connection of a video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁ or DC control type automatic iris lens L₂.

Claim 3 of this invention, is an exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₅ and automatic iris lens as claimed in claim 1, in which mechanical switch v₁, is used instead of said analogue switch t.

Claim 4 of this invention, an exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₆ and an automatic iris lens as claimed in claim 1. In said video camera M₆; one of said video control signals 1 is connected through an interfere preventing element to one common connector k and the other is connected to galvanometer control circuit p to said one common connector k. When VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to connector k, video control signals 1 is connected through an interfere preventing element to one common connector k. When DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, and video control signals 1 is connected to one common connector k driving DC current 2 of video camera M₆ is integral amplified by galvanometer control circuit p.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A) shows a block diagram of embodiment 1 of this invention; while FIG. 1(B) shows a circuit of embodiment 1.

FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of embodiment 2 of this invention; while FIG. 2(B) shows a circuit of embodiment 2.

FIGS. 3(A) through (D) show embodiment 3 of this invention; FIG. 3(A) is a front view of connector k plug on the lens side; FIG. 3(B) is a side view of the plug; FIG. 3(C) is a side view of connector k socket on the camera side; and FIG. 3(D) is a circuit diagram of the socket; FIG. 3(E) is a front view of connector k plug; FIG. 3(F) is a side view of the plug.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional circuit connecting device between video camera M and automatic iris lens L₁.

FIG. 5 shows a connecting device circuit of a conventional video camera M₁ and VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ having galvanometer control circuit p.

FIG. 6 shows a connecting device for a conventional video camera M₂ and DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, without galvanometer control circuit p.

FIG. 7 shows a conventional exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₃ and automatic iris lens L₁, having galvanometer control circuit p or automatic iris lens L₂ not having galvanometer control circuit p.

FIG. 8 shows a circuit of a conventional general video camera M₄, provided with switch v instead of two connectors for an exchangeable connection of lens L₁, having galvanometer control circuit p or lens L₂, without galvanometer control circuit p.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1(A) shows a block diagram of embodiment 1 of this invention; FIG. 1(B) shows a circuit of embodiment 1 with the same reference numerals used for the same parts of previous Figures and so on.

This embodiment 1 uses an analogue switch t. As shown in FIG. 1(A), this invention is an exchangeable connecting device between video camera M₅ such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, area image sensor and automatic iris lens. In said video camera M₅ one of video control signals 1 is an amplified output of the light sensor and is directly connected to analogue switch t, while the other is connected through galvanometer control circuit p to analogue switch t, with said analogue switch t being connected to one common connector k. When video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to connector k, video control signal 1, amplified the output of the light sensor is directly connected to analogue switch t. When as a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, said analogue switch t is switched and video control signal 1 is amplified by said galvanometer control circuit p, the output of the light sensor is connected to connector k as control current 2 of galvanometer f corresponding to video signal IVpp.

As shown FIG. 1(B), said analogue switch t is an electronic switch having switch terminals S₁, S₂ and normally terminal of switch S₁ connects to common terminal 4. At the active state by adding a voltage to control terminal 8, terminal of switch S₂ connects to common terminal 4 and switch S₁ opens.

Control terminal 8 is connected to terminal {circle around (2)} of connector k through resistor R. In video camera M₅ side, terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k is connected to a positive (+) electric source (normally DC 9V), terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k of video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁ side is connected to the driving part of galvanometer control circuit p (see FIG. 5), and terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k of a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ a side is connected to braking coil CL₂ (see FIG. 6).

Terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k of video camera M₅ side is connected to common terminal 4. Terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ side is connected to driving coil CL₁, through amplifier h of galvanometer control circuit p (see FIG. 5), and terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k of a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ side is connected to driving coil CL₁ (see FIG. 6).

Terminals {circle around (4)}, {circle around (4)}, {circle around (4)} of connectors k, k, k on every side are connected to GND.

In this video camera M₅, a video signal from a light sensor is amplified by constant amplifier r (normally 6 dB to 12 dB) to be a video control signal 1. Video control signal 1 is connected to a terminal of switch S₁ of analogue switch t through buffer transistor 5. While this video control signal 1 is integral amplified by driving amplifier h of galvanometer control circuit p and connected to terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k through switch S₂ as a driving DC current 2 corresponding to regular video signal IVpp. The level of driving DC current 2 is adjusted by variable resistor g.

When connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to connector k, video control signals 1 is directly fed through a terminal of switch S₁, of analogue switch t, common terminal 4, terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k to automatic iris lens L₁.

When a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ is connected to connector k, video control signals 1 is fed through galvanometer control circuit p, terminal of switch S₂, common terminal 4, terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k to automatic iris lens L₂ as driving DC current 2.

Namely, automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to video camera M₅, analogue switch t is in the state of switch S₁ being connected to common terminal 4 because terminal {circle around (2)} is NC (no connection) (see FIG. 5).

Automatic iris lens L₂ is connected to video camera M₅, voltage is added to terminal {circle around (2)} through braking coil CL₂, and analogue switch t is in the state of switch S₂, being connected to common terminal 4.

As explained above, in video camera M₅, a change of voltage or current detected according to the connection of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ or a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, analogue switch t is switched. And analogue switch t acts as a detecting circuit in exchangeable connecting device between a video camera and an automatic iris lens.

Operation of above device is as follows;

When connector k of video camera M₅ is connected to connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁, video control signals 1 output from constant amplifier r is connected to terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k through buffer transistor 5, and switch S₁ of analogue switch t, and automatic iris lens L₁. operates.

When connector k of video camera M₅ is connected to connector k of a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, said video control signals 1 regulated by driving amplifier h of galvanometer control circuit p to be driving DC current 2, driving DC current 2 passes switch S₂ of analogue switch t, flows to driving coil CL, and operates automatic iris lens L₂.

While, reverse voltage generated in braking coil CL₂ is output to terminal {circle around (2)} in addition to electric source voltage, added to amplifier j and this amplified braking signal feedback to driving amplifier h, make the movement of galvanometer f smooth and stable operation is obtained.

As explained above, any of connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁, or a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, is connected, normally operates.

FIG. 2(A) shows a block diagram of embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 2(B) shows a circuit of embodiment 2 with same reference numerals used for the same parts of the previous Figures and so on. In this embodiment 2, analogue switch t of video camera M₅ in embodiment 1 is eliminated and an interfere preventing element such as diode 6 is employed and two kinds of signals correspond to connected lens L₁ or L₂ are used.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), an exchangeable connecting device is between video camera M₅ such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, area image sensor and automatic iris lens. In said video camera M₆ one of said video control signals 1 is connected through interfere preventing element 6 to one common connector k and the other is connected to galvanometer control circuit p to said one common connector k. When video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to connector k, video control signals 1 is connected through interfere preventing element 6 to one common connector k. When a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ is connected, video control signals 1 is connected to one common connector k as driving DC current 2 of video camera M₆ integral amplified by galvanometer control circuit p.

As shown in FIG. 2(B), in said video camera M₆ such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, area image sensor, video control signal 1 is connected to terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k through interfere preventing element 6. While, said video control signals 1 is connected through galvanometer control circuit p driving DC current 2 of galvanometer f of regular level is connected to terminal {circle around (3)} of common connector k through diode D. Therefore, in terminal {circle around (3)} video control signal 1 is superimposed on driving DC current 2. This video control signal 1 is a part of video signal IVpp and deemed as an alternative signal.

In said video camera M₆, terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k is connected to a positive (+) electric source (normally DC 9 V) and the driving part of galvanometer control circuit p. Terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ is connected to a driving part of galvanometer control circuit p (see FIG. 5). Terminal {circle around (1)} of connector k of automatic iris lens L₂ side is connected to braking coil CL₂ (see FIG. 6).

Terminal {circle around (2)} of connector k of video camera M₆ side is connected to amplifier j of galvanometer control circuit p. As explained, terminal {circle around (2)} of connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ side is NC (no connection) (see FIG. 5). Terminal {circle around (2)} of connector k of automatic iris lens L₂ side is connected to braking coil CL₂ (see FIG. 6).

As explained, terminal {circle around (2)} of connector k of video camera M₆ side is connected to buffer transistor 5 through interfere preventing element 6, connected to amplifier h of galvanometer control circuit p. As explained, terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁ side is connected to driving coil CL₁ through amplifier h of galvanometer control circuit p (see FIG. 5). Terminal {circle around (3)} of connector k of a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ side is connected to driving coil CL₁ (see FIG. 6).

Terminals {circle around (4)}, {circle around (4)}, {circle around (4)} connectors k, k, k on every side are connected to GND.

Operation of above device is as follows;

When connector k of video camera M₅ is connected to connector k of VS control type automatic iris lens L₁, as the input impedance is high enough, a DC component is prevented by a condenser, driving DC current 2 is ignored and, video control signals 1 is connected to terminal {circle around (3)} through buffer transistor 5 and interfere preventing element 6, automatic iris lens L₁ works only by a component of video control signals 1 (see FIG. 5).

When connector k of video camera M₅ is connected to connector k of DC control type automatic iris lens L₂, driving coil CL₁ is connected to terminals {circle around (3)}, {circle around (4)} video control signals 1 is ignored and driving DC current 2 flows to driving coil CL₁ and controls iris I (see FIG. 6).

In FIG. 2(B), a diode is shown as interfere preventing element 6, a suitable resistor, transistor, condenser, etc. may be used to prevent damage to other elements by a reverse current and interference of signals.

FIG. 3 shows embodiment 3 of this invention, in which mechanical switch v₁ a is employed instead of analogue switch t or switch v in FIG. 8.

In this switch v₁, construction of a plug in a connector on the lens side and a socket in a connector of the camera side are changed. FIG. 3 shows embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 3(A) is a front view of a connector k plug on the lens side. FIG. 3(B) is a side view of the plug. FIG. 3(C) is a side view of socket 9 of connector k on the camera side. And FIG. 3(D) is a circuit diagram of the socket.

As shown in FIG. 3, alternative plugs 13, 13 in connector k of automatic iris lens L₁, L₂, on the lens sides act as and form switch v₁. One plug 13 has projection 10 as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B) while an alternative plug 13 would not have center projection 10 as shown in FIGS. 3(E) and 3(F). Socket 9 of connector k on the camera side provides elastic pieces 11, 12 as shown in FIG. 3(C), which engage projection 10.

Operation of above device is as follows;

According to whether lens L, or L, is used, plug 13 may or may not have projection 10, and engagement with elastic piece 11, 12 occurs or does not occur, and circuit of switch v, changes. Therefore, using iris lens L₁, L₂ lens is distinguished and acts as switch v in FIG. 8 and a user can use either of iris lens L₁ or lens L₂ without paying attention.

In prior art explained in FIG. 8, it is possible to accomplish the effect of this invention by replacing the switch v with this effect of switch v, formed by plugs 13 and socket 9.

In prior art explained in FIG. 8, it is possible to accomplish the, Effect of this invention.

According to this invention, it is possible to use different kinds of iris lens L₁ or lens L₂ connected to its connector without paying particular attention to the kind of lens being used. 

What we claim is:
 1. An exchangeable connecting device between a video camera (M₅), such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, an area image sensor and an automatic iris lens; in said video camera (M₅) one video control signal (1) as an amplified output of a light sensor is directly connected to an analogue switch (t), while the other is connected through a galvanometer control circuit (p) to an analogue switch (t), said analogue switch (t) being connected to one common connector (k); when a video signal control type automatic iris lens (L₁) is connected to said one common connector (k), said video control signal (1) amplified output of a light sensor is directly connected to said analogue switch (t) and said one common connector (k); when a DC control type automatic iris lens L₂ is connected, said analogue switch (t) is switched and said video control signal (1) is amplified by said galvanometer control circuit (p) so that the output of said light sensor is connected to said common connector (k) as a control current (2) of said galvanometer (f) corresponding to a video signal (IVpp).
 2. An exchangeable connecting device between said video camera (M₅) and an automatic iris lens as claimed in claim 1, in which a mechanical switch v₁, is used instead of said analogue switch (t).
 3. An exchangeable connecting device between a video camera (M₆) and an automatic iris lens as claimed in claim 1; in said video camera (M₆) one of said video control signals (1) being connected through an interference preventing element to said one common connector (k) and the other being connected to said galvanometer control circuit p to said one common connector (k); when a video signal control type automatic iris lens L₁, is connected to said one common connector (k), said video control signal (1) is connected through an interfere preventing element to said one common connector (k); and when a DC control type automatic iris lens (L₂) is connected, said video control signal (1) is connected to said one common connector (k) as a driving DC current (2) of video camera (M₆) integrally amplified by said galvanometer control circuit p.
 4. An exchangeable connecting device according to claim 1 including a detecting circuit having a detector for detecting a variation of voltage or current of a connector (k) according to the connection of a (VS) video signal control type automatic iris lens (L₁) or a DC control type automatic iris lens (L₂).
 5. An exchangeable connecting device between a video camera, such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, an image area sensor and an automatic iris lens comprising; an analogue switch; said video control signal of said video camera connected directly to an analogue switch; a galvanometer control circuit connecting said video control signal of said video camera to said analogue switch; said analogue switch being connected to a common connector for said automatic iris lens; said analogue switch automatically switching between a direct connection when a video signal control type automatic iris lens is connected to said video camera and through said galvanometer control circuit when a DC control type automatic iris lens is connected to said video camera; whereby either type of automatic iris lens can be connected without the necessity of determining the type of lens.
 6. The device according to claim 5 including; a detector detecting a variation in a signal at the terminals of said common connector; said variation in signal automatically activating said analogue switch according to the type of automatic iris lens connected to said camera.
 7. The device according to claim 5 in which said analogue switch is a mechanical switch; said mechanical switch being activated by a mechanical connection of said automatic iris lens.
 8. An exchangeable connecting device between a video camera, such as a CCD (Charged Couple Device) camera, an image area sensor and an automatic iris lens comprising; an interference preventing element connecting said video control signal of said video camera to a common connector, a galvanometer control circuit connecting said video control signal of said video camera to said common connector; said common connector selectively connecting said interference preventing element when a (VS) video signal control type automatic iris lens to said video camera and selectively connecting said galvanometer control circuit when a DC control type automatic iris lens is connected to said video camera; whereby either type of automatic iris lens can be connected without the necessity of determining the type of lens. 